TQC FE/NFE COATING THICKNESS GAUGE LD0800

TQC FE/NFE COATING THICKNESS GAUGE LD0800 1 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION This handy, robust and easy to use TQC coating thickness gauge is ideal for measurement tasks in various industries and paint applications. This compact meter allows measurement of painted objects, or other corrosion protective layer thicknesses, with accuracy measured in both Fe (iron or steel) and NFe (aluminum, copper, brass or non-magnetic steel) 1.1 Specifications Measuring Principe: F probe = magnetic induction / N probe = eddy currents Measuring range: 0-1300μm / 0 to 51.2 mils Accuracy: ±3% + 2μm (0.078 mils) Resolution: 0μm 999μm (1μm) / 0 mils 39.39 mils (0.01 mils) 1000μm 1300μm (0.01mm) / 39.4 mils 51.2 mils (0.1 mils) Calibration: One point to four points calibration, zero point calibration, basic Data group: One direct group (readings not stored in memory) Four general groups (readings will be stored automatically) NOTE: each group has individual statistics, alarm limit settings and calibration Statistics: No. of readings, mean, minimum, maximum and standard deviation Units: μm, mm and mils Alarm: User can set high/low alarm limit, alarm icon displayed on LCD when over limit Min. curvature radius convex: 1.5mm Min. curvature radius concave: 25mm Min. measuring area: Diameter 6mm Min. thickness of substrate: Fe - 0.5mm (0.02 ) / NFe 0.3mm (0.012 ) Max. Measuring rate: 2 readings p/s Computer interface: download data via USB Power supply: 2 x 1.5V AAA battery Operation environment: Temp: 0 to 40 C (32 to 104 F) / Humidity: 20% to 90% Storage environment: Temp: -20 to 70 C (-4 to 158 F) Standard Compliance: ROHS WEEE Size: 110mm x 53mm x 24mm (4.33 x 2.09 x 0.94 ) Case material: ABS 92g (3.24oz) 1

1.2 Details 1 Current work group (DIR and GEN) 13 Zero calibration key 2 High and Low limit alarm 14 Up key 3 Probe mode: Auto, Mag, Eddy 15 Down key 4 Measurement readings 16 Left key (menu, select, confirm) 5 Statistics display 17 Right key (cancel, exit, back) 6 Auto power off indicator 18 Probe 7 USB connection indicator 19 V groove 8 Probe instability indicator 20 Standard foil 9 Unit (μm, mm, mils) 21 Substrate 10 Low battery indicator 22 Battery compartment 11 Calibration key 23 Substrate type (F=Fe / N=Nfe) 12 Power ON/OFF key 24 USB interface 2 STANDARDS ISO 2808 3 WHAT S IN THE BOX? TQC Fe/NFe Coating Thickness Gauge Fe calibration plate NFe calibration plate Standard foils USB cable 2 pcs AAA batteries Software Manual Carrying case 4 PREPARATIONS When using the instrument for the first time, please read paragraph 5.2 5 PERFORM A MEASUREMENT 5.1. Instrument use 5. 1.1. Replacing the Batteries Place the instrument upside down on a suitable surface, remove the screws from the battery compartment with a cross tip screwdriver, raise the lid of the compartment, remove batteries, insert new batteries according to the positive and negative poles, close the lid again and fasten the screw. 5.1.2. Basic Measurement Steps Step 1: Prepare the sample which needs to be measured. Step 2: Place the instrument in open space, at least 5cm away from any metal, and press key to turn on the instrument. Notes: 1. If is displayed, the batteries are OK. If symbol is displayed, the battery capacity is low, and measurements will not be reliable, In this case please replace the batteries. 2. The instrument will operate in factory default settings for the first time: single measuring mode, AUTO probe 2

mode, direct group mode (DIR) 3. When turning on the instrument in direct group mode (DIR), the reading display area will be empty. When turned on in general group mode (GENn, n=l to 4), it will display the last readings and statistics measured before the instrument was switched off. Step 3. Please check paragraph 5.2 to decide whether you need to calibrate the instrument. Step 4. Start measuring. Place the probe on the sample vertically, and after one beep (for single measuring mode), raise the probe again. Readings will be displayed on the LCD, meanwhile statistics values are upgraded and displayed. Step 5. Perform next measurement according to step 4. Step 6. Press to power off the instrument. If the instrument is not used over 3 minutes, it will power off automatically. Note: 1. There are three rank s( P rank 3; P rank 2; P rank 1) of instability indications for the probe. When P is shown probe is very unstable and there will be no readings until the probe is stable again. 2. If a suspicious reading is displayed, user can delete it through pressing the ZERO key once. 3. Each time you ve raised the probe you must wait for about l sec. (holding the probe in open space and 5cm away from metal) 5.1.3. User lnterface The instrument has a standard user interface and is easy to use; Left Key a. To enter the menu mode from measuring mode b. Left button operates in menu mode ("Confirm", "Select", "Delete") Right Key a. Right button operates in menu mode ("Cancel", "Back", "Exit") b. Switching the backlight on/off in measuring mode Up Key a. Move up or roll up b. Increasing Down Key a. Move down or roll down b. Decreasing Zero Calibration Key Left a. Press and hold to perform zero calibration in calibration mode b. Press once to delete current readings in measuring mode c. Press once to go back to measuring mode while in menu mode d. Press and hold when instrument is switched on to make a system reset. This will restore factory settings Calibration Key a. Press when in calibration mode to go back to measuring mode 5.1.4. Measuring Mode (Single or Continuous) Single measuring mode: Place the probe on the sample vertically, after one beep raise it again. Meanwhile, readings will be shown and statistics will be upgraded and shown. Continuous measuring mode: Place the probe on the sample, and don't raise the probe, the measurement will be continuously in a cycle. Method to switch to measuring mode: a. Press "Left Key" once to enter into menu mode ("Root" directory) b. Press "Up Key" or "Down Key" to activate "Measuring Mode" item, and press "Left Key" once to enter c. Press "Up Key" or "Down Key" to activate your intended item, and press "Left Key" once to select the item 3

and to go back. d. Press "ZERO Key" to go back to the measuring mode. Note: The symbol indicates current settings. 5.1.5. Group Mode Direct Group (DIR): suitable for quick occasional readings. In this mode, data is temporarily stored in RAM memory, it will be deleted when turning off the instrument. The readings and statistics are shown on the LCD. The RAM can store up to 80 readings. When the RAM is full, measuring will continue but the oldest readings will be deleted by the new readings. Each time new readings are stored, the statistics will be upgraded and visible. General Group (GENn, n=l to 4): In this mode, data is stored into the instrument memory and not lost when turning off the instrument. The memory can store up to 80 readings. When the memory is full, measuring will continue but the symbol "fl" will appear on the left side of the readings, the new readings will not be stored, and statistics will not be upgraded. NOTE: Each group (DIR or GEN) has an individual high/low limit alarm and zero calibration and multi-point calibration, these settings will be stored into the memory when user changes them. Method to switch to group mode: b. Press Up Key or Down Key to activate Options item, and press Left Key once to enter c. Press Up Key or Down Key to activate Group Mode item, and press Left Key once to enter d. Press Up Key or Down Key to activate your intended item, and press Left Key once to select the item and go back. Press ZERO Key to go back to measuring mode. 5.1.6. Statistics The instrument calculates the statistics for stored readings of each group independently, including minimum, maximum and standard deviation. In direct group mode, when RAM is full, the oldest readings will be deleted, the new readings will be stored, and statistics will be upgraded. In the general group mode, when the memory is full, new readings will not be stored and the statistics won t be upgraded. If specified or whole group readings are deleted, the statistics will also be upgraded. The statistics will be displayed on the LCD in default. You can choose to hide or show them it through below mentioned method; b. Press Up Key or Down Key to activate Options, and press Left Key once to enter c. Press Up Key or Down Key to activate Display Stat., and press Left Key once to enter d. Press Up Key or Down Key to activate your intended item, and press Left Key once to select the item and go back. Press ZERO Key to go back to measuring mode. Browse the statistics through menu: b. Press Up Key or Down Key to activate Browse Stat., and press Left Key once to enter c. Press Right Key once to go back. Press ZERO Key to go back to measuring mode. 5.1.7. Probe Modes There are three different probe modes: AUTO, MAG and EDDY. In AUTO mode, the probe can automatically determine the type of substrate measured. In MAG mode, the probe can only measure on magnetic substrates. In EDDY mode, the probe can only measure on non-ferrous metal substrates. When a magnetic substrate is detected, an F will be shown on the right side of the readings, and when a non-ferrous metal is detected, an N will be shown. User can switch probe modes as below; b. Press Up Key or Down Key to activate Options item, and press Left Key once to enter c. Press Up Key or Down Key to activate Probe Mode item, and press Left Key once to enter 4

d. Press Up Key or Down Key to activate your probe mode, and press Left Key once to select the item and to go back. Press ZERO Key to go back to measuring mode. 5.1.8. Storage In general group mode (GENn), readings and statistics will be stored and not lost when you turn off the instrument. In direct group mode (DIR), readings and statistics will be lost when turning off the instrument. Each group has an individual high/low limit alarm, zero calibration and multi-point calibration, user can change these settings, which will be stored. In addition, you can also set the system settings (Measuring Mode, Group Mode, Probe Mode etc.), these settings will also be stored. Note: When the battery capacity is low, user must replace the batteries in time. Before replacing the batteries, please turn off the instrument. 5.1.9. Recall and Delete Readings Delete the last readings (Tip: in measuring mode, press the ZERO Key once) b. Press Up Key or Down Key to activate Delete Data, and press Left Key once to enter c. Press Up Key or Down Key to activate Current Data, and press Left Key once. A dialog box will be displayed. d. Press Left Key once to confirm the selection and go back, or Right Key to cancel and go back. Press ZERO Key to go back to measuring mode. Delete whole group readings b. Press Up Key or Down Key to activate Delete Data, and press Left Key once to enter c. Press Up Key or Down Key to activate Current Group, and press Left Key once. A dialog box will be displayed. d. Press Left Key once to confirm the selection and go back, or Right Key to cancel and go back. Press ZERO Key to go back to measuring mode. Recall and delete specified readings b. Press Up Key or Down Key to activate Recall, and press Left Key once to enter c. Press Up Key or Down Key to recall the readings (n/total number, n indicates the index of current shown readings). User can press Left Key to delete current shown readings. d. Press Right Key to go back. Press ZERO Key to go back to measuring mode. Note: When readings are deleted, the statistics will be upgraded automatically. 5.1.10. High and Low Limit Alarm Each group has individual high/low limit alarm settings. When switching to the work group, the applied alarm settings will also be switched automatically. Set high/low limit for the current work group as below; ; b. Press Up Key or Down Key to activate Limit, and press Left Key once to enter c. Press Up Key or Down Key to activate Settings, and press Left Key once to enter d. Press Up Key or Down Key to activate your intended item, and press Left Key once to enter e. Press Up Key or Down Key to increase or decrease the limit value. If the key is hold, the limit value will be increased or decreased continuously. f. Press Left Key to confirm new limit value, or Right Key to cancel and go back. Press ZERO Key to go back to measuring mode. Clear high/low limit 5

b. Press Up Key or Down Key to activate Limit, and press Left Key once to enter c. Press Up Key or Down Key to activate Clear, and press Left Key once. A dialog box will be displayed. d. Press Left Key once to confirm the selection and go back, or Right Key to cancel and go back. Press ZERO Key to go back to the measuring mode. Note: When readings exceed the high limit, the alarm symbol will appear on the LCD, and when readings exceed the low limit, the alarm symbol will appear. 5.1.11. Unit It is possible to choose 3 different measurement units (μm, mm and mils) for readings. Switch to your requested unit as follows: b. Press Up Key or Down Key to activate Options, and press Left Key once to enter c. Press Up Key or Down Key to activate Unit Settings, and press Left Key once to enter d. Press Up Key or Down Key to select the needed unit. Press Left Key to confirm it. 5.1.12. Backlight In dim light, the LCD backlight can be activated. The backlight will accelerate battery consumption. While in measuring mode, press Right Key once to switch on/off the backlight. In menu mode, switch it as below; b. Press Up Key or Down Key to activate Options, and press Left Key once to enter c. Press Up Key or Down Key to activate Backlight, and press Left Key once to enter d. Press Up Key or Down Key to select on or off. Press Left Key to confirm your choice. 5.1.13. Data Download The supplied USB cable can be used to connect the instrument with a computer to download stored readings. If USB connected, the symbol will appear on the bottom of the LCD. When you make the USB connection for the first time, the driver and software for this application needs to be installed onto your computer. 5.1.14. Auto Power off The instrument can be turned off by pressing the key manually. In addition, for saving power, the instrument will turn off automatically if no operation occurs within 3 minutes. Before turning off automatically, you will hear several beeps, by pressing any key during these beeps, the instrument will restart timing and continue working. Enable or disable this function as below; b. Press Up Key or Down Key to activate Options, and press Left Key once to enter c. Press Up Key or Down Key to activate Auto Power off, and press Left Key once to enter d. Press Up Key or Down Key to select Disable or Enable. Press Left Key to confirm your choice. 5.1.15. Measurement Accuracy For factors which may affect the accuracy of measurements, please check paragraph 5.2. Under normal use and careful calibration, all subsequent measurements will lie within the guaranteed measuring tolerance. When using the statistics programmer for obtaining a mean value it is advisable to place the probe several times at a chosen measuring spot or at fixed measuring spot. Any false readings can be deleted immediately. The final reading derives from the statistical calculation and from the guaranteed tolerance levels of the instrument. T (coating thickness) = M (mean value) ± S (standard deviation) ± A (measuring accuracy) 6

5.2 Factors affecting accuracy There are some factors which might affect the measurement s accuracy. These factors are listed as below; Factor/principal Magnetic Eddy current Recommendations Magnetic samples Calibration needed Electrical samples Calibration needed Curvature radius Please read paragraph 1.1 + calibration needed Substrate thickness Please read paragraph 1.1 + calibration needed Size of measuring area Please read paragraph 1.1 + calibration needed Surface roughness Position and shape Sample deformation Avoid measuring on too soft or too thin materials Adhesive substances Clean probe and sample Strong magnetic fields Keep away from strong magnetic fields Temperature & Humidity Re-calibrate at the same environment conditions Measuring operations Please read paragraph 5.1.2. Low batteries Please replace the batteries Probe wear Please contact supplier The measured sample must have the same conditions as the calibration sample (material properties, curvature radius) The more closely the measured sample matches the calibration sample, the more accurate the readings will be. In addition, curvature radius should meet the minimum value as specified in paragraph 1.1. The minimum substrate thickness and the minimum measuring area as specified in chapter 1.2 should be taken into account. The instrument needs to be re-calibrated (Zero/Multi-point) if measuring various samples for higher accuracy. To achieve high-accuracy readings, it is advisable to log calibration values several times. In this way, the instrument will automatically establish a mean calibration value. The high-accuracy calibration is an obvious advantage when calibrating uneven and rough surfaces. The point at which a measurement is made should always be similar with the calibration point, especially in the case of corners and edges of small parts. Important Note: The enclosed substrates are intended for checking accuracy only and not for calibration purposes. User must recalibrate the instrument according to practical applications. 5.3 Calibration Please check the table in chapter 5.2 firstly, re-calibrate the instrument according to the measured product sample. The instrument provides basic calibration, zero calibration and multi-point calibration. Basic calibration: Also the factory default calibration; can only be used for measurements on even surfaces and if the object has the same material, curvature, and size as the factory provided substrates. For more details, please consult with your supplier. Zero calibration: Recommended if measuring errors occur up to ± (3%+2um). Multi-point calibration: The allowed measuring deviation will be max. ± (1~3%+2um). One point calibration, Is only recommended if the readings are expected to be close to the calibration value. Several points calibration is recommended when measuring on rough surfaces or for precise measurements on smooth surfaces if the expected thickness lies between that of the calibration point. 7

5.3.1. Zero Calibration a. In measuring mode, press CAL key once to enter into calibration mode. b. Place the probe on the uncoated sample and raise it after one beep. The LCD will show X. c. Press and hold ZERO Key until hearing 3 beeps. The LCD will show 0 and ZERO symbol. d. Repeat step b and c several times to obtain mean value. e. When finished. Press CAL Key to exit calibration mode. 5.3.2. Multi-point Calibration a. In measuring mode, press CAL key once to enter into calibration mode. b. Zero calibration according to chapter 5.3.1. afterwards place the calibration foil on an uncoated sample. c. Place the probe and raise it after one beep. A reading will be displayed. Press Up Key or Down Key to increase or decrease the reading or hold the key for changing continuously until the required foil thickness value is shown. The LCD will show current calibration point Ptn X. The X will be flashing. d. Place the probe on the test sample for several times, raise the probe each time you replace it, then press CAL Key, after 3 beeps, it will display a mean value for the current calibration point. e. Press Left Key to confirm and end current calibration point, the X will be steady. Or press Right Key to cancel and end current calibration point. f. For more calibration points, use another calibration foil and repeat steps c, d and e. g. When finished. Press CAL Key to exit calibration mode. Note: -Each group has individual zero calibration and multi-point calibration. -When calibration up to 4 points, user must clear the finished points firstly to restart. -Readings measured before will not be affected by new calibration. -In calibration mode, measuring will not be affected. -Recommended to work in single measuring mode when calibrating. 5.3.3. Shot-blasted Surfaces The physical nature of shot-blasted surfaces results in coating thickness readings that are too high. The mean thickness over the peaks can be determined as follows. Method one: a. The instrument should be calibrated according to 5.3.2. (one or more points calibration). Use a smooth calibration sample with the same curvature radius and the same substrate as the sample to be measured. b. Take approx. 10 readings on the uncoated, shot-blasted sample to produce the mean value A. c. Take approx. 10 further readings on the coated, shot-blasted test sample to produce the mean value B. d. The coating thickness T = (B-A) ± S. The S is the highest standard deviation of step b and step c. Method two: a. The instrument should be calibrated according to paragraph 5.3.2. (one or more points calibration) on the shot-blasted sample. b. Take approx. 10 readings of the test sample to calculate a mean value which can be used as final coating thickness. 5.3.4. Clear Calibration The calibration can be cleared to start new applications. When there is an incorrect calibration, it should also be cleared. b. Press Up Key or Down Key to activate Calibration item, and press Left Key once to enter. c. Press Up Key or Down Key to activate Clear All item (Note: you can also clear only part of them, please see the menu for details), and press Left Key once. A dialog box will be displayed. d. Press Left Key once to confirm the selection and go back, or Right Key to cancel and go back. Note: All operations are limited within current work group, the other groups will not be affected. 8

5.4 Trouble Shooting If the instrument does not response or can t be turned on, you can remove the batteries, reinstall them a few minutes later and try again. If the problem remains, please contact your supplier for help. The following errors should be solved by a system reset: -Illogical readings -Several of the keys don t work System reset: 1. Turn off the instrument. 2. Press and hold ZERO Key and then turn on the instrument. 3. Release the ZERO Key until a dialog box of the system reset is shown on the LCD. 4. Press Left Key to confirm system reset. The instrument will restart automatically. 6 CALIBRATIONS We recommend annual calibration. For calibration, send the instrument, together with a RMA form* to TQC, Molenbaan 19, 2908 LL Capelle aan den IJssel, NL. *You can download the RMA form here: http://www.tqc.eu/en/service/repairs-calibrations/ 7 REPLACING BATTERIES Place the instrument upside down on a suitable surface, remove the screws from the battery compartment with a cross tip screwdriver, raise the lid of the compartment, remove battery, insert new battery according to the positive and negative poles and close the lid and fasten with screws. 8 MAINTENANCE Though robust in design, this instrument is precision-machined. Never drop it or knock it over Always clean the instrument after use. Clean the instrument using a soft dry cloth. Never clean the instrument by any mechanical means such as a wire brush or abrasive paper. This may cause, just like the use of aggressive cleaning agents, permanent damage. Do not use compressed air to clean the instrument. Always keep the instrument in its case when not in use. We recommend annual calibration 9 DISCLAIMER The right of technical modifications is reserved. The information given in this manual is not intended to be exhaustive and any person using the product for any purpose other than that specifically recommended in this manual without first obtaining written confirmation from us as to the suitability of the product for the intended purpose does so at his own risk. Whilst we endeavour to ensure that all advice we give about the product (whether in this manual or otherwise) is correct we have no control over either the quality or condition of the product or the many factors affecting the use and application of the product. Therefore, unless we specifically agree in writing to do so, we do not accept any liability whatsoever or howsoever arising for the performance of the product or for any loss or damage (other 9

than death or personal injury resulting from our negligence) arising out of the use of the product. The information contained in this manual is liable to modification from time to time in the light of experience and our policy of continuous product development. 10